Finsbury Food Group has committed substantial capital to its Kara facility in Whitefield, Manchester, targeting enhanced production capabilities at the foodservice-dedicated bakery. The factory manufactures 1.2 million bread rolls daily, serving national wholesalers and customers across hospitality, healthcare and quick-service sectors.

Panattoni is developing a 10,000 m² bakery production facility for Edeka Südwest in Lambsheim, Rhineland-Palatinate. The build-to-own project marks the first partnership between the companies and will create 150 jobs when operational in Q4 2027.

CMA flags competition concerns in Vandemoortele-Délifrance merger
This merger, formalised under a Share Purchase Agreement signed in June 2025, is now under scrutiny as the CMA prepares for a possible Phase 2 investigation.

European consumers are cutting Christmas spending but prioritising meaningful celebration. Research shows 34% are reducing festive budgets, with 47% choosing sentimental options. This creates opportunity for industrial bakers focusing on authentic traditional bakes like panettone and stollen. Success lies in positioning products as justified indulgences delivering connection. Exactly what budget-conscious consumers now seek.

Bakeries and food manufacturers across Europe now have access to a certified recycling solution for modular plastic conveyor belting, following a partnership between conveyor specialist Intralox, waste management firm PreZero and Recycling Service Centrum (RSC) in The Netherlands.

The global bread processing equipment market is projected to grow from USD 8.229 billion in 2024 to USD 14.06 billion by 2035 at a 4.99% CAGR. Automation, urbanisation and demand for consistent quality are driving commercial bakeries, QSRs and industrial manufacturers to invest in advanced dough mixers, ovens, proofers and packaging systems across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific markets.

Barilla Group has opened its $25 million Barilla Innovation & Technology Experience (BITE) in Parma, Italy, spanning 150,000 square feet. The facility employs 200 professionals developing bakery, pasta and sauce products using AI-driven sensors, 3D printing and sensory research. BITE operates 84 partnerships with international universities and maintains 28 startup collaborations focused on sustainable agriculture and food technology.

Italian packaging and food processing machinery exports to the UAE reached €161 million in the first seven months of 2025, with food processing equipment up 87.5% year-on-year. Italy now holds over one-third market share in both sectors as 252 Italian companies prepare for Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai.